Ways to Improve Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates in Nashville, TN

The survival rate from cardiac arrest varies widely around the world which depends on where the person lives. The statistics can be quite daunting. As per research, the survival rate in some communities is close to zero, while in others it’s over 50% for ventricular fibrillation (VF).

The best way to deal with cardiac arrest cases is by undergoing CPR training Nashville where students are taught the life-saving resuscitation techniques that comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the procedures can restore the life of a victim. Being a resident of the Nashville region, you can sign up for a program at the AHA accredited CPR Nashville where certified instructors conduct the classes through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice. There are different types of CPR courses and today our discussion will focus on “Healthcare Provider CPR Nashville” program:

BLS Training Classes- This local Nashville American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider class is recognized as the required certification for those employed by hospitals, attending a healthcare program at a college, nursing schools, outpatient surgery centers, dental offices, and many others.

The BLS class should be taken by:

        I.            Nursing, Dental and Medical Students

      II.            Doctors, Nurses

    III.            Respiratory therapists

    IV.            Dentists, Dental Hygienists

      V.            Pharmacists, Radiology and Laboratory Technicians

    VI.            Physical / Occupational Therapy Assistants

  VII.            EMTs, Paramedics

VIII.            Nurse Practitioners, CRNAs

    IX.            Anesthesiologists

      X.            and ALL OTHER Healthcare Professionals.

The program fee is $70. A student will be eligible for a certification after successfully passing a skills test and a written exam.

Improving Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates:

A Cardiac Arrest Registry- Remember that we cannot measure improvement if we are not tracking results and this is the foundation that can improve survival rates. It’s not just tallying whether a patient lives or dies, but all aspects related to care so that you can gauge what’s working — and what’s not. Continued measurement will enable you in correlating improvements with outcomes and identifying ways to get even better.

Administration of High-performance CPR- Proper application of the resuscitation procedures on time and in the correct manner can increase survival rates. The timing from collapse to onset of CPR is predictive of survival, but as per recent studies, the correlation between quality CPR and survival is also a critical factor. High-performance CPR is a measurable skill, which can be achieved with the right training and review processes. The better will be the chances of a patient’s survival with better CPR.

Rapid Dispatch Implementation- Rapid dispatch means the closest EMT vehicle can be enroute within seconds of dialing 911. Survival rate fall about 10% for every minute CPR and defibrillation are delayed. Rapid dispatch can boost rates by 5-10% as an expedited arrival allows EMTs to perform CPR and administer defibrillatory shocks before more valuable time is lost.

These four actions can prove to be highly beneficial in improving survival rates in cardiac arrest victims and that also without requiring time and a great deal of financial resources to implement.

Change starts with a desire to make things happen, which starts with you. Undergo a CPR training Nashville and walk on the path to increase the chance of life after cardiac arrest.

Join a CPR program at CPR Nashville which you can do either online or call on 615-397-9316.

Steps to Provide CPR Properly and CPR Nashville Classes for Healthcare Providers

Heart disease mostly leads to life-threatening emergencies like a cardiac arrest or heart attack. The best way to deal with that is by providing proper treatment on time. The only form of appropriate treatment in this regard is proper application of the CPR techniques that comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the techniques can restore the life of a cardiac arrest victim.

Being a resident of the Nashville region in Tennessee, you can sign up for a program atthe AHA accredited CPR Nashville which comprises some of the most experienced instructors. Courses are conducted through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice. There are courses for both healthcare as well as non-healthcare providers so one should go through the course curriculum prior to enrolling for a program. Our discussion today will center on a “Healthcare Provider CPR Nashville” program. 

Basic Life Support Training Classes- The ‘healthcare provider CPR Nashville’ is also referred to as a Basic Life Support program which is designed to prepare individuals working in healthcare, and those going to school who are planning a career in healthcare. Students will learn how to provide chest compressions, deliver rescue breaths, operate an AED device and many other skills necessary to treat cardiac and respiratory emergencies. 100 percent American Heart Association certified!

The BLS class should be taken by nurses, dental and medical students; respiratory therapists; dentists, dental hygienists; pharmacists, radiology and laboratory technicians; physical / occupational therapy assistant; EMTs, paramedics; nurse practitioners, CRNAs; anesthesiologists, and many more. The program fee is $70. 

Ways to Perform CPR:

If you witness a cardiac arrest, it’s crucial to call 911 and start CPR immediately.

1.      Shake and shout

2.      Check for normal breathing

3.      Call 911

4.      Give 30 chest compressions

5.      Give two rescue breaths

6.      Repeat until an ambulance arrives

Remember – even if you haven't been trained in CPR with rescue breathing, you can still use hands-only CPR.

Shake and Shout

If you come across someone who is unconscious, always check for danger and look for risks before you start helping.

1.      Check for a response which you can do by gently shaking the person’s shoulders or ask loudly 'are you alright?'

2.      Shout for help from nearby people. Do not leave the person alone while looking for help.

Check for Normal Breathing

Someone having a cardiac arrest won’t be breathing or won’t be breathing normally. They also won’t be conscious.

Check if the person is breathing normally by looking for, (keeping their head back):

1.      Regular chest movements

2.      Listening for breathing

3.      Feeling for breath on your cheek

Look, listen and feel for no more than 10 seconds. Don’t confuse gasps with normal breathing. If you’re not sure if their breathing is normal, act as if it's not normal.

If you're sure the person is breathing normally, then put them in the recovery position and call the emergency medical services by dialing 911.

If breathing isn’t normal, open their airway. Place one hand on the person’s forehead, gently tilt their head back, then lift their chin using two fingers of your other hand under their chin – when you do this you open their airway.

Following step 3, provide the victim with 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths. For proper application of the techniques, a CPR training Nashville can prove to be beneficial. Repeat 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths until the arrival of ambulance. If you’d rather not give rescue breaths then call 911 and deliver hands-only CPR. That’s better than doing nothing. Keep performing CPR until professional help arrives and takes over, or the person starts to show signs of regaining consciousness, such as coughing, opening their eyes, speaking, or breathing normally.

There can be no better a decision than deciding to join a CPR class at CPR Nashville.

You can sign up for a program either online or call on 615-397-9316 for registration.

Things that Happen during Congestive Heart Failure among People in Nashville, TN

Congestive heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped, it means the heart is not pumping the blood as well as it should which can cause the blood and fluid to back up in the body and make it harder for the kidneys to flush out sodium and water which can lead to holding on to too much fluid, thus causing swelling.

There's no cure. It is advisable to seek the help of a doctor who may give you medication that can lower your blood pressure, relax your blood vessels, make your heart beat stronger, or ease swelling. Diet and lifestyle changes -- like not smoking -- can help, too.

In order to face cardiac emergencies efficiently, undergo a CPR training Nashville where you will get to learn about the life-saving resuscitation procedures that comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the procedures can revive the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency like a cardiac arrest or heart attack. Being a resident of the Nashville region in Tennessee, you can sign up for a program at the AHA accredited CPR Nashville where courses for both healthcare as well as non-healthcare providers are conducted.

Causes behind Congestive Heart Failure:

Anything that makes the heart work too hard or that damage the heart muscle can lead to congestive heart failure with some of the examples being:

        I.            Diabetes: This causes high blood sugar which can damage your heart muscle over time.

      II.            High blood pressure: Blood pressure is the force of your blood as it pushes against the walls of your arteries. Too much pressure eventually will weaken your heart muscle.

    III.            Other forms of heart disease, including heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, and coronary heart disease.

    IV.            Certain medical treatments, including cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

      V.            Thyroid disease.

    VI.            HIV and AIDS.

  VII.            Alcohol or drug abuse.

Congestive heart failure can cause:

Tiredness- Heart failure causes the body to not pump out enough blood to keep the cells healthy that can make an individual feel very tired. Even something as mere as climbing the stairs can prove to be hard.

Shortness of Breath- This happens when fluid collects in your lungs which is also called pulmonary edema. It may be worse when you're lying down or when you're active. Call your doctor with immediate effect if you're having a hard time breathing.

Swelling- Swelling also called edema takes place when there’s too much fluid in the tissues. The legs and ankles are the most likely places to swell. But other areas of the body, like arms or belly, can also swell.

Weight Gain- Weight gain takes place due to extra fluid that doesn’t get flushed from the body the way it should.

Coughing- This basically is caused by extra fluid in the lungs.

Take the required precautionary measures which can help you in keeping your heart healthy.

To undergo CPR training Nashville at CPR Nashville, you can either register online or call on 615-397-9316 for more information. You can go for the online classes conducted by the American Heart Association as well if you are time-pressed. 

Control High Blood Pressure with Physical Activities and a CPR Training in Nashville, TN

High blood pressure is one of the primary risk factors of heart disease. Heart disease, again, is the primary cause of a cardiac arrest or heart attack. The best way to deal with such life-threatening cardiac emergencies is by undergoing CPR training Nashville where students will be imparted training in the life-saving techniques comprising chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the procedures can restore the life of a cardiac arrest or heart attack victim.

Being a resident of the Nashville region in Tennessee, you can sign up for a program at the AHA accredited CPR Nashville where certified instructors conduct the classes. Both theoretical and practical training are imparted to the students.

Benefits of Physical Activity:

        I.            Physical activity not only helps control high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension), it also helps in managing weight, strengthening the heart and lowering the stress level. A healthy weight, a strong heart and general emotional health are all good for your blood pressure.

      II.            People who are inactive are much more likely to have health problems, like heart attack and stroke. On the other hand, regular physical activity helps to lower blood pressure, control weight and reduce stress.

AHA Recommendation:

The American Heart Association, for overall benefits to the heart, lungs and circulation, recommends any moderate to vigorous aerobic activity using the following guidelines:

        I.            Aim for at least 90 to 150 minutes of aerobic and/or dynamic resistance exercises per week and/or three sessions of isometric resistance exercises per week.

      II.            Include flexibility and stretching exercises.

    III.            Physical activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes, and preferably, spread throughout the week.

    IV.            Include muscle-strengthening activity for at least two days in a week.

Tips on Physical Activities:

        I.            When it comes to a physical activity, you need to just get moving. Find ways or activities that you enjoy and gradually increase your activity level as you savor the benefits.

      II.            Consult your healthcare professional if you have cardiovascular disease or any other preexisting condition, if you have not been active for some time. It's best to start slowly with something you enjoy, like taking walks or riding a bicycle. As per scientific evidence, physical activity is safe for almost anyone.

    III.            Perform exercises that you like such as brisk walking, hiking or stair climbing; jogging, running, bicycling, rowing or swimming; fitness classes at your appropriate level and so forth.

    IV.            Add variety to your workout which will help you in staying interested and motivated. For instance, when you include strength and flexibility goals (using weights, resistance bands, yoga and stretching exercises), you also help reduce your chances of injury which will enable you in maintaining a good level of heart-healthy fitness for many years.

      V.            It is advisable that you warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards which will help your heart move from rest to activity and back again. Your warm-up should last at least 10 minutes. It is important that you make time for a cool-down. Also, add some relaxing yoga poses to your routine which will increase your flexibility.

Following these tips can prove to be beneficial for you.

Undergo a CPR training Nashville at CPR Nashville and become equipped in saving the life of a cardiac arrest or heart attack victim in an out-of-hospital emergency scenario. For more information, call on 615-397-9316.